Joshua Kimmich 'never' thought about Bayern Munich exit in the summer

Joshua Kimmich has told ESPN FC that he "never" considered leaving Bayern Munich, despite feeling frustrated about the lack of regular game time under Carlo Ancelotti last season.

Reports in the local media in May suggested that Kimmich had been willing to move to another club in search of a starting berth, but the Germany international has denied that he ever weighed up that option.

His superb form in recent weeks -- three goals and four assists in nine starts -- has been a major factor in Bayern bouncing back with three wins in a row since Ancelotti was replaced by Jupp Heynckes at the end of September.

"It was a very hard time for me," Kimmich said of being in and out of the Bayern team. "When you're fit but you can't play, it's very hard, especially for the head, especially for a young player.

"But all you can do is train hard and give your best. Afterwards, it's the decision of the coach."

Kimmich, who joined the club from Stuttgart after a loan spell at RB Leipzig in 2015, added: "I knew when I came here it wouldn't all be easy, that I wouldn't play every game. But my goal was to be a part of Bayern, to be a starter. I want to achieve things here."

Raphael Honigstein is ESPN FC's German football expert and a regular guest on ESPN FC TV. He also writes for the Guardian. Twitter: @honigstein.